The Astros briefly explored the idea of pursuing Matsuzaka during the offseason but talks never became serious.

Matsuzaka, 32, pitched for Boston from 2007-12. The Tokyo-born right-hander was 50-37 with a 4.52 ERA during 116 starts for the Red Sox. Matsuzaka was just 1-7 with an 8.28 ERA in 2012, following Tommy John surgery in 2011.

Houston already has Alex White, Erik Bedard and Philip Humber, among others, competing for the final two spots in the team’s starting rotation.